The quest to replace tattered and shredded flags on the Boulevard of 500 Flags in Eastlake got a big boost on Sunday.

First, it was announced during the 11 a.m. Veterans Day ceremony in Eastlake that U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette and U.S. Rep.-elect David Joyce were teaming up to donate 200 American flags to place on the boulevard's poles.

Also on Sunday, the chairman of the Committee of 500 Flags confirmed that a Veterans of Foreign Wars Post had contributed 50 new flags.

These donations will help replace many of the weather-beaten flags that were pounded into submission by the torrent of rain and strong winds stemming from Hurricane Sandy.

Joyce, the longtime Geauga County prosecutor who was elected to Congress on Tuesday, attended Sunday's ceremony to announce the donation of 200 flags that had flown over the U.S. Capitol.

"I'm deeply honored that we could do something for our veterans who have done so much for us," said Joyce, R-Russell Township.

Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski expressed the city's gratitude and said the new flags will be a welcome addition to the boulevard in 2013.

"Many people ask, 'Are you going to put them up now?' But obviously, no, because it's the end of the season, so there will be 200 new flags put up next year," he said.

Joyce paid for the flags, which anyone can purchase through the office of a U.S. representative or senator, said Dino DiSanto, chief of staff for LaTourette, R-Bainbridge Township. DiSanto said Sunday afternoon he did not know the exact purchase price. A telephone message left for Joyce wasn't returned.

Also Sunday afternoon, Strand said 50 more American flags were donated for the boulevard by Mentor Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9295.

How to donate

Anyone wishing to donate additional American flags for the Boulevard of 500 Flags should call Strand at 440-942-9344. Financial contributions also can be sent to: Committee of 500 Flags, c/o the City of Eastlake, 35150 Lake Shore Blvd., Eastlake, OH 44095. Checks should be made out to the Committee of 500 Flags.